Good bourbon prices...where are they?

[sddave]

I'm new to bourbon. Found it somewhat frustrating to find such large price differences in bourbon prices between stores. I hate getting ripped off.

So I've found myself almost obsessed when finding a new liquor store to stop in and check prices.

Anyone else?

Where do people usually find good prices?

[Tony Santana]

That's kind of a tough question. Prices certainly vary by region of the country, and from product to product. They can also vary quite a bit even with a given locale. There aren't many online options anymore, but I think they tend to be pricier even before you add shipping. As a general rule I think the bigger liquor stores tend to have better prices. Around here the grocery stores that have big inventories also tend to have pretty good deals. But if, say, you like Bookers, you might find a store that consistently has a good deal on that, while their Wild Turkey products are consistently higher priced than places where you'd pay more dearly for the Bookers. I think you need to shop around a bit early in your bourbon journey, not only to find pricing, but just to see what's out there.

Good luck.

[Tony Santana]

Also, your definition of "good" might be totally different than someone in Kentucky, as opposed to someone in Michigan, etc.

[Paddy]

Check your local Sam's Club and Costco. They won't have a very wide selection, but they should be able to give you a good baseline on the standards that they carry. No membership required!

[Darwin]

In my area we have bevmo, Total Wine & more and the grocery stores. TW&M usually has the best price. Costco will sometimes offer a special purchase at below the others prices, but not to often. K&L Wines in California seems to have good prices and selection. Ask the Google for help.

[Hop]

I have no idea on this but since the OP is in San Diego how about Mexico? Check around local shops though is best you'll learn quickly who has good pricing but trying to find the "best" will get to you and you won't build any loyalty with any one store.

[squire]

Speaking about our local stores the best prices are scattered and seem to be based on whether or not a brand is moving. I've found Evan Williams Black label to vary from $9.99 to $12.99, Dant BIB from $11.59 to $15.99, Rock Hill Farms from $42.29 to $59.95, and so forth, in different parts of the same relatively small metro area. When I find a bottle at a good price I buy it and when checking out sometimes ask if that label is a good seller. Often it's not. I had one place tell me I was the only guy who bought Old Grand Dad BIB, which I did, from them, until their supply ran out. Priced at $11.59 and collecting dust.

[BFerguson]

Anything prior to 2010......

Last couple of years have been run by irrational exuberance.

Here's hoping to a return of sanity in the next couple of years once the next big thing hits.

B

[Flyfish]

TW&M usually has the best price.

In my experience they have astounding prices on bourbon that is out of stock. In which case they should sell it for 10 cents.

The purchases I most regret are those I did not make because I hoped to find a better price elsewhere.

[sddave]

The liquor store next to a BevMo has the best prices I've found here in San Diego. But when I read bourbon review's what they state the price they paid it's usually less.

[Richnimrod]

Indiana; more often than not has best prices in general, that I see on any regular basis.

On second thought, I don't get to Indiana on a regular basis... So; I guess: NOWHERE!!!?? HA!

[Thig]

I have found that I can usually order online and pay the shipping and it is still cheaper than the price I have to pay locally.

[Harry in WashDC]

We are lucky in the greater WashDC area. Virginia is a control state and posts its prices (and store inventories) online. This gives me a consistent and fairly broad price list. Maryland, a peculiar state in that each county gets to decide how distilled spirits are sold, has both county-owned stores (Montgomery County) and privately owned stores (Prince Georges County) close to us. Mont. County advertises in the WashPost and also has a good website. PG County stores - not so much advertising; it's hit or miss and lots of stops and price-comparison. WashDC stores enjoy a two-tier distribution market. Hence, if it isn't stocked, I can special order. Prices are comparable to or better than Mont. County's.

IN SUM - comparison shopping and getting to know SEVERAL retailers in several jurisdictions is the best approach for me. A lot of work? Nope - a labor of love. It's a HOBBY, for goodness' sake, and is SUPPOSED to consume free time.

[willmohawk5]

Best thing to do is just to visit many liquor stores and browse the shelves. Yes it's time consuming and more often than not you walk in and walk out without buying anything but that's part of this "hobby".

Here in NJ the prices are all over the place but after a while you know which stores have the best prices for different bottles.

[Swoboda]

I often use Wine-searcher.com to check and compare prices.

In San Diego last Christmas, we stepped into Old Town Liquor and Deli to browse . . . they have a nice bourbon selection that was split in two separate areas (?) as well as limited stuff behind the counter. Above the store is the El Agave Restaurant and Tequileria. . . decent food and an unbelievable collection of tequila. Cheers!

[sddave]

Thanks for letting me know about Old Town Liquor and Deli. I'll head there this weekend!

[The Black Tot]

The best idea is to start by learning the house styles by buying and drinking the lower-mid shelf offerings, popping into all the liquor stores you can to just read labels and price tags.

Even if you overpay on a $30 bottle, how much can you really be getting ripped off?

After you've done this for a while and have read the price tags in the stores you'll figure out who's who and what's what, and then you'll also have a journeyman's palate to move forward into the heavy hitters, should you so decide.

[Flyfish]

According to my journal, 10/1/15 is the date for my every-half-decade-swearing-off->$30-bourbon. But in 10 days we are headed to Lexington; i.e., Costco and Liquor Barn (maybe two of them). Which means the vow is likely to last until about 10/10.

Two week later we will be returning from Pensacola via Louisville. Which means another Costco and Liquor Barn.

Anybody have additional recommendations?

[PaulO]

In Indiana I find prices all over the place. There are two big chains that have bought out a lot of stores. These guys have a decent selection but overcharge on almost everything. Oddly they also have a good sale price on some items. I know some other stores (smaller chains) that have fair prices. The most common items can also be found in a grocery or drug store.

[Paddy]

According to my journal, 10/1/15 is the date for my every-half-decade-swearing-off->$30-bourbon. But in 10 days we are headed to Lexington; i.e., Costco and Liquor Barn (maybe two of them). Which means the vow is likely to last until about 10/10.

Two week later we will be returning from Pensacola via Louisville. Which means another Costco and Liquor Barn.

Anybody have additional recommendations?

What PaulO said...don't forget drug and grocery stores. Not the best selection, but often the best price.

[sddave]

The best idea is to start by learning the house styles by buying and drinking the lower-mid shelf offerings, popping into all the liquor stores you can to just read labels and price tags.

Even if you overpay on a $30 bottle, how much can you really be getting ripped off?

After you've done this for a while and have read the price tags in the stores you'll figure out who's who and what's what, and then you'll also have a journeyman's palate to move forward into the heavy hitters, should you so decide.

I've luckily (after two months of searching) found what are decent prices at a liquor store next to a BevMo....but keep looking. They were there before BevMo moved in next to them. I think to compete with BevMo they have better prices.

But I've seen like $8-$10 differences on relatively cheap Eagle Rare 10 when I did my research.

It's the rare stuff now that is more difficult to find out what's a good price.

Even in San Diego I've only found one store offering Elijah Craig Barrel Proof which I'd like to try if I know it's a fair price. But I don't know what's a fair price for it in my area. Anyone know for a ECBP ???? I'd love to try it.

[Jazz Nut]

ECBP goes for $50 in the Minneapolis area. It should be $39.99, I believe.

[BigBoldBully]

Visited a Costco in WI for the first time in years, and was surprised not to find anything resembling a bargain on spirits--unless you happen to be a big fan of the Kirkland label stuff and believe it to represent a good value (the bourbon was $22 a liter and is pretty harsh/hot for a 7yr).

[mibourbonguy]

that's pretty cheap for a liter; the costco we go to here does not sell bourbon, only wine and beer. After roaming this forum, I can tell you where not to go.. the mitten state .

[oke&coke]

It's a HOBBY, for goodness' sake, and is SUPPOSED to consume free time.